Thermostat Savings Calculator

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that each degree of thermostat adjustment saves approximately 1-3% on your heating and cooling costs. Enter your current settings and energy bill to see exactly how much you could save.

What you currently set your AC to during summer
DOE recommends 78°F for cooling. Raise to save.
Your total monthly electric bill. HVAC typically accounts for ~50% in Texas.

How Thermostat Settings Affect Your Energy Bill

Your thermostat is the single most powerful tool for controlling energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save approximately 1-3% on your heating and cooling bill for each degree you adjust your thermostat. In Texas, where HVAC accounts for roughly 50% of a typical home's electric bill, even small adjustments add up to significant savings over the course of a year.

DOE Recommended Thermostat Settings

The Department of Energy recommends the following settings for the best balance of comfort and energy savings:

  • Summer (cooling): 78°F when home, 85°F when away, 82°F when sleeping
  • Winter (heating): 68°F when home, 60°F when away, 65°F when sleeping

These recommendations may seem aggressive for Texas summers, but using ceiling fans allows you to raise the thermostat by 4°F without sacrificing comfort. Fans cost only about $0.01 per hour to operate — a fraction of what your AC uses.

Smart Thermostats: Automatic Savings

A programmable or smart thermostat automates temperature setbacks when you're away or sleeping, delivering savings without requiring you to think about it. ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats can save an average of 8% on heating and cooling bills — approximately $50-100 per year for a typical Texas home. Many Texas utility providers offer rebates of $25-75 on qualifying smart thermostats, making the upgrade essentially free.

Texas-Specific Considerations

Central Texas presents unique challenges for thermostat management. During summer months (June-September), outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, meaning your AC works harder to maintain any set temperature. The wider the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the more energy your system uses. Setting your thermostat to 78°F instead of 72°F during a 105°F day reduces the temperature differential from 33 degrees to 27 degrees — a 20% reduction in the work your AC must perform.

Want to upgrade to a smart thermostat or need help optimizing your HVAC settings? Contact Texas Temp Masters for professional advice tailored to your home and system.

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